Schumacher claimed his sixth world title last season

Ferrari boss Jean Todt said Schumacher's passion for racing was as strong as ever.

"The Michael Schumacher we will see next year will be the best Michael Schumacher ever," he said.

"He is very intelligent. He loves driving and being with the team and winning races."

Last season Schumacher became the first driver in F1 history to win six championships, but he had to wait until the last race to achieve the record after being pushed all the way by McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen.

"He's as motivated as he has ever been and if he went off the track at times this season, it didn't embarrass him too much as he won the title," Todt told the Independent newspaper.

"If he feels he is not competitive enough, that is when he will stop."

Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn agreed that Schumacher was enjoying his racing as much as ever.

"Perhaps he's even enjoying it more," he said.

"I think he's definitely matured but is not yet past his peak."

Brawn also complimented young Finn Raikkonen.

"He's the best of the new guys," he said.

"He doesn't make mistakes under pressure and he did some great things toward the end of the season with what was a pretty old car."